In the meeting with a BNP representative at Baduddozas home on Sept 25, the Bikalpadhara gave a condition for the BNP to leave the Jamaat-e-Islami if it wanted an alliance with the Bikalpadhara.

The BNP held a meeting with its partners, including the Jamaat, in the 20-Party Alliance later, but did not clear its position on the Bikalpadhara condition.

Dodging a direct answer, Rab said, Weve decided on a larger national unity of all the secular and progressive forces, and democratic minds that believe in the spirit of the Liberation War, keeping the anti-liberation forces out. Today’s meeting has made it clearer.

Bikalpadhra asked BNP to pick either Jamaat or AQM Badruddozas party for alliance. File Photo Bikalpadhra asked BNP to pick either Jamaat or AQM Badruddozas party for alliance. File Photo The Oikya Prokriya has placed a five-point charter of demand, including non-partisan election-time government, reforms to the Election Commission and deployment of army during polls.

These are the BNPs demands also, but the party wants its chief Khaleda freed before the election as well. She has been in jail after her conviction in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case in February.

Rab said, We don’t know why the three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia has been kept in jail even after she secured bail in the main case.

We obviously want unconditional release of all prisoners of state, and those arrested during quota protests, safe road protests and on false charges, he added.

Moudud said they agreed on the five points and the release of Khaleda.

We will announce programmes together over these demands, he said.

The ruling Awami League has already rejected the demands.

It says the next election will be held with its chief Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister following the constitution.

And Khaleda’s release depends on the court, according to the ruling party leaders.